The Memories We Bury by H.A. Leuschel

Apr 21, 2020 JenacideByBibliophile rated it really liked it

Shelves: suspense, fiction-adult, unique-concept, mental-health, important-issues, psychological

Disclaimer: This book was sent to me by the author, H.A. Leuschel, for an honest review.

Opinion:

“Why is it I seem to remember events that hurt me better than experiences id rather hold on to because they make me happy?”

description

The Memories We Bury is the first full novel by Helene Leuschel, but definitely not her first dive into psychological fiction. After reading her last collection of short stories, Manipulated Lives, I became obsessed with her ability to showcase the countless ways of manipulat ...more

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Apr 13, 2020 Yesha- Books Teacup and Reviews rated it it was amazing

Shelves: psychological-fic

https://booksteacupnreviews.com/2020/...

The Memories We Bury was psychological fiction that revolved around neighbors Lizzie and Morag and their relationship that started sweet and turned bitter over the time. It was about obsession, manipulations, friendship, family, trust and betrayal. About danger that comes with trusting a stranger that comes under title ‘neighbor’ and its consequences, impact of childhood and its role in shaping person, controlling parents and their mistakes.
This was my 3r ...more

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Jul 07, 2020 Judith Barrow rated it it was amazing

I thoroughly enjoyed The Memories We Bury and I like H.A. Leuschel's writing style. This is a riveting psychological read, with thoroughly rounded characters and an absorbing plot, sensitively woven throughout with themes of personal insecurity, trust, hope, duplicity and lies.
There are two main characters, Lizzie, the insecure young woman with a small baby, whose own childhood was blighted by manipulating mother. Now she is left to struggle mostly alone with motherhood by a husband who is only I thoroughly enjoyed The Memories We Bury and I like H.A. Leuschel's writing style. This is a riveting psychological read, with thoroughly rounded characters and an absorbing plot, sensitively woven throughout with themes of personal insecurity, trust, hope, duplicity and lies.
There are two main characters, Lizzie, the insecure young woman with a small baby, whose own childhood was blighted by manipulating mother. Now she is left to struggle mostly alone with motherhood by a husband who is only concerned with himself and his work and his life away from home.
The second character is Morag, a retired nurse and neighbour of Lizzie. From the start of the story the reader is led to believe that this older woman with be a godsend to the young mother; she is the support, the ever-available friend, always anxious to help.
Character led novels are my favourite and I was not disappointed in The Memories We Bury. Indeed the title itself give more than a hint that there are many layers to these two lonely women and, gradually, each character is shown through the spoken and internal dialogue – excellently written.
Each chapter has the alternating points of view from Linzie and Morag and is evenly paced as the tension is slowly but surely ramped up. Through the narrative the author reveals the background of both characters, exposing their frailties and insecurities that controls the way they behave towards one another. The husband is, in a way, used by each as a foil but it is struggle between them that is the main battle of wills.
The setting of this novel is mainly of the houses of the characters and, though giving a great sense of place, seemed, to me to be secondary to the story. This is not a criticism, indeed, I felt it added to the claustrophobic feeling in this emotional read.
This is a shorter review than I normally write. This in no way detracts from H.A. Leuschel's novel and I thoroughly recommend The Memories We Bury to any reader who enjoys a compelling psychological read.
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Mar 30, 2020 Liz rated it it was amazing

Shelves: psychological

Oh my… well, to give it to you short? A whole lot of uncomfortable and disturbing going on here… For the duration of the book (until the truth as such, that is), I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. Emotionally charged and draining, it was impossible to tell who the unstable person was and who the victim. And such is real life too- we often see and accept the person by what appears on the surface, unwilling to believe anything malicious of them. Well, sometimes still waters run deep and ut Oh my… well, to give it to you short? A whole lot of uncomfortable and disturbing going on here… For the duration of the book (until the truth as such, that is), I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. Emotionally charged and draining, it was impossible to tell who the unstable person was and who the victim. And such is real life too- we often see and accept the person by what appears on the surface, unwilling to believe anything malicious of them. Well, sometimes still waters run deep and utterly dangerous.

The Memories We Bury is yet another title by Leuschel that could be a psychological case study (see also Manipulated Lives and My Sweet Friend) but far from being an academic read, the scenario is truly relatable from all the angles.

So, what is the scenario? We have a young woman Lizzie at the start of motherhood, navigating unknown waters and emotions. We have a rather lonesome elderly lady Morag, the perfect source of nurture and care, happy to help steer the start of new lives. Neighbors. Each the perfect soothing balm for the other’s gaping need.

At a first glance, quite the perfect outcome, right?… but… are people really what they seem? Who is using who?

Again, like in the previous titles, the author makes good work tricking the reader off the scent on really knowing who to trust. I couldn’t help but think the whole time how true to life this book is – you really can’t tell anyone’s ulterior motives; you really can’t tell how far someone is willing to cross the line for their own selfish reasons. And, it’s scary! You can trust and give people a chance. Or, you can be a hermit for the rest of your life, never trusting, always seeing the wolf. But, it’s also never that black and white when it comes to making this decision to trust, or not trust, someone. There is always the aspect of who the person is themselves that will wager in on the decision – how they grew up, how their environment has shaped them, what they believe in and what their moral compass looks like.

This book ultimately reminded me that with every interaction and transaction, there can always be multiple outcomes. Yes, it all boils down to one small decision made but the decision to let someone into our lives can either be the gateway to a happy life that we all yearn for, or the step into the ninth circle of hell. Who can tell? Who can ever tell?

Anyway, Leuschel did a wonderful job hitting the notes from all characters’ perspectives. You can feel for one and the other because their background is thoroughly bared for you and your soul aches a bit because you can relate. No matter how little or how much, you will be able to relate on some level. And, in the end, when you have felt the tug of sympathy for everyone involved, it will be all the worse having to learn the truth. It makes you sick a little because it’s something that can easily happen… Humans.. We’re such creatures, us!

All three titles by the author have hit the mark with me. I have enjoyed the psychological aspect – the detailed and interesting case studies wrapped in fictional, the realistic portrayal of various mental states and the feeling of ‘Beware’ that I am always left with! 🙂 ...more

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Apr 09, 2020 Stephanie Jane rated it really liked it

Shelves: fiction-europe, fiction-thriller

See more of my book reviews on my blog, Literary Flits ...more

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Apr 15, 2020 Cathy Ryan rated it really liked it

4.5*
The Memories We Bury is told from two alternating points of view—Lizzie, a young mother and Morag, widowed and a retired nurse, who live next door to each other—giving a good, but confusing, insight into each character. I say confusing because for the longest time I wasn’t sure how the story was going to develop.

Lizzie’s childhood was tainted by a cold, critical mother and a weak father. She always felt less than, never good enough, her mother’s obvious disappointment in her a constant theme 4.5*
The Memories We Bury is told from two alternating points of view—Lizzie, a young mother and Morag, widowed and a retired nurse, who live next door to each other—giving a good, but confusing, insight into each character. I say confusing because for the longest time I wasn’t sure how the story was going to develop.

Lizzie’s childhood was tainted by a cold, critical mother and a weak father. She always felt less than, never good enough, her mother’s obvious disappointment in her a constant theme. Until Lizzie’s musical talent gave her mother something to boast about. But even that waned as she realised Lizzie’s talent wasn’t going to take her to the top.

Lizzie’s feelings of insecurity and timidity carry on into adulthood and shape her decision making. All she really wants is to be loved for herself. Now she’s married with a job as a music teacher when she finds herself pregnant. Although the pregnancy was unplanned, Lizzie is happy. Less so Markus, her husband.

Morag, lonely and seemingly abandoned by her children, is more than happy to have Lizzie and Markus living next door, especially as there will soon be a baby to coo over. Markus’ feelings couldn’t be clearer as he leaves everything home and baby related to an exhausted Lizzie, who is only too grateful for Morag’s help and kindness.

Markus is a very unlikeable character, critical and intent only on what he wants regardless of the effect on anyone else. Certainly not the type of person that Lizzie needs. So it follows that she would appreciate Morag’s help and look forward to spending time with her. Slowly it becomes apparent by Morag’s behaviour all is not what it should be. Lizzie, however, is reluctant to antagonise the only friend she has.

The Memories We Bury is a disturbing read, more so because it’s a scenario that could be all too possible. The narrative is written in such a way as to make the reader wonder which of the two women is unbalanced. It’s only later on that the pieces begin to fall into place and the state of affairs becomes quite shocking as we learn the extent of the manipulation.

As with the author’s previous books, The Memories We Bury shows the complexity of the human psyche and the lengths people are prepared to go to to satisfy their own needs, as well as how relationships can become extremely unhealthy and frightening.

I chose to read and review The Memories We Bury based on a copy of the book kindly supplied by the author. ...more

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Sep 02, 2020 Fictionophile rated it really liked it

Shelves: psychological-thrillers, womens-fiction, scotland, read-in-2020, author-publisher-invites-read

I read the novella “My Sweet Friend” by this author in late 2017 and since then I’ve been eager to get a chance to read more of her writing. In addition, the effective and attractive cover design was eye-catching and made me want to read “The Memories We Bury“.

With skillful prose and a deep understanding of human nature, Leuschel has written a novel that explores the fine line between caring, insecurity, manipulation, and being supportive.

Though on the surface, this should have been a straight-f ...more

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Aug 27, 2020 Yvonne (It's All About Books) rated it really liked it

Shelves: blog-tour, family, mystery, suspense, 2020-releases, arc, suicide, abuse, psychological-thriller

Finished reading: August 27th 2020

"Trust is a fragile bird perched on a branch that is so dry it will break at the first unexpected breeze."

*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***

(view spoiler)

Finished reading: August 27th 2020

"Trust is a fragile bird perched on a branch that is so dry it will break at the first unexpected breeze."

*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***

(view spoiler)[

I was positively impressed by Helene Leuschel's short story collection Manipulated Lives as well as her stand-alone novella My Sweet Friend a few years back, so of course I couldn't pass up on the opportunity to join the blog tour for her first 'full novel' psychological thriller. She has a way of describing the psychological aspects and effects of manipulation that is both realistic and extremely thorough, and after reading the blurb of The Memories We Bury I could just feel it in my bones that I was in for another absolute treat. And that is exactly what this story turned out to be! If you enjoy a well written, realistic and utterly addicting psychological thriller, this title should definitely be on your wishlist.

Let's look at the basics first. The Memories We Bury is told with the help of a dual POV structure, alternating between pregnant and later on new mother Lizzie and her lonely widow neighbor Morag. On top of this dual POV structure, the story also incorporates time jumps; The Memories We Bury starts out in 2016 after the main events have occured, only to jump back to 2013 and later 2014 to see the actual story slowly unfold. These first chapters set 2016 will tickle your curiosity and make you wonder what happened in the past for the two women to be the way they are right now... And they are a great teaser of what is yet to come. This structure is used to its best advantage and definitely helped keeping me invested during what might be a slightly slower beginning, as the promise of some sort of escalation was always there.

The Memories We Bury is a mostly character-driven psychological thriller, and the focus of especially the first half of this story is mainly on the development of the two main characters Lizzie and Morag. We slowly learn more about their past and their motivations, and it was fascinating to see both develop over time as the events took place. Once again we see the element of manipulation as well as obsession mastered perfectly, and especially the blurred line between victim and manipulator added a healthy level of suspense to the story. Who is manipulating who? What is really going on and who is the real victim? Although I did make a right guess quite early on, there were so many little details and twists that did surprise me along the way that I wasn't too bothered by it in the end.

As for the characters... First of all, I have to say that I love the Scottish setting and I was stoked to see that the characters really complement that setting. Especially Morag stood out with the inclusion of Scottish dialect in her dialogue and this really made the setting feel a lot more authentic. Her background and development are realistic and thorough too, and it was interesting to slowly uncover her secrets and quirks. Lizzie made for a very interesting character as well, although her behavior and actions could get pretty frustrating in points. That said, it was a very realistic portrayal and she fitted her role in the story perfectly, so the fact that she wasn't completely likeable could be forgiven. Her husband Markus did deserve a punch or two and he will most definitely get under your skin... But sadly I can't deny it's realistic portrayal of the typical absent husband and father, and he fitted his role well.

In short, The Memories We Bury is a well written, painstakingly realistic and compelling psychological thriller where the lines between manipulator and victim will blur. I can highly recommend this title if you enjoy the genre! (hide spoiler)]

P.S. Find more of my reviews here. ...more

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Mar 15, 2020 josbookblog rated it really liked it

Lizzie is a great character and one that I think most readers will like and sympathise with immediately – I felt genuinely angry on her behalf at times while reading this novel. She shares her memories of her childhood, and in particular her relationship with her mother, who was cold, distant, and constantly disappointed in Lizzie. I felt that this past explained her actions in the present. She’s a character who is looking for love from any quarter, and is prepared to accept quite a lot in order Lizzie is a great character and one that I think most readers will like and sympathise with immediately – I felt genuinely angry on her behalf at times while reading this novel. She shares her memories of her childhood, and in particular her relationship with her mother, who was cold, distant, and constantly disappointed in Lizzie. I felt that this past explained her actions in the present. She’s a character who is looking for love from any quarter, and is prepared to accept quite a lot in order to get it – even agreeing with others and going against her own wishes. There were times when I wanted her to put her foot down and to say no to those around her, but it’s clear that her lack of confidence holds her back, and she avoids conflict at all costs. Leuschel has a fantastic understanding of human psychology, and this shines through in the novel as Lizzie’s childhood paves the way for the present day.

As a new mum, it shouldn’t fall to Lizzie to do everything to care for her new son, Jamie, as well as managing the house. Her husband, Markus, is around, and even if the pregnancy came a little unexpectedly, he played his part in it. Unfortunately for Lizzie, Markus makes his intentions clear from the outset – he misses the birth of his son, and then refuses to change nappies, prepare food, cook, clean, even refusing to get up in the night to comfort Jamie and allow Lizzie to sleep a little. Markus is utterly clueless, and while that in itself isn’t an issue, he makes no attempt to rectify his lack of knowledge or experience, leaving Lizzie to do everything. It’s clear that he’s an utterly selfish individual who can’t stand the slightest criticism, and sees himself in the traditional role of breadwinner, while his wife tends home and hearth. To make things worse, he is critical of Lizzie’s post-baby body, even though he proclaims his comments are made in jest.

It’s therefore understandable that Lizzie clings to the lifeline offered by their neighbour, Morag, who is only too happy to help. Her own children have grown up and left home, and Morag is more than happy to share her knowledge and experience as both a nurse and a mother with Lizzie, providing the encouragement she so desperately needs. I soon became wary of Morag, however, as she begins – slowly at first – to overstep the mark. Once she has a foot in the door, there’s no stopping her, and she seems to feel some sense of entitlement to Jamie. Her behaviour borders on the obsessive, and while she may just be overzealous, her behaviour comes across as being a little creepy at times.
"It was important though that Lizzie knew how essential I had become in her life, and that she had to tread carefully before professing any criticisms again."

The Memories We Bury is by turns uncomfortable and creepy, and builds up to a shocking finale. The last line in particular has quite an impact. This is a novel that will make you question the motives and behaviour of its characters and will leave you wondering whose version of events to believe. Recommended.

The Memories We Bury will be published on 17 April. Many thanks to H. A. Leuschel for the opportunity to read and review ahead of publication.

Originally posted on https://josbookblog.co.uk/
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Nov 16, 2020 Jessica Townley rated it really liked it

If you’re looking for a book that will have you with a permanent knot in your stomach throughout, then this is it!

It’s told from Lizzie and Morag’s point of view as we go back in time to see how events unfolded. Everything starts off well until little things start happening, comments are made and at times I just wanted to scream at Lizzie to make her realise what was happening.

This is definitely a character driven story as we delve into the backgrounds of both Lizzie and Morag, who each having t ...more

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Apr 24, 2020 Susan (The Book Bag) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-read-in-2020, 2020-reviews

Oh, you just know there are going to be secrets in a story with the title The Memories We Bury. Bury the memories and make up a new reality, how could that hurt anyone? Well, just wait until you read this book—you'll see how harmful that new reality can be. And everyone has secrets.

This story is a compelling read and definitely a page turner. I found myself constantly trying to figure out the characters and what their agendas were. Was Morag really as helpful as she appeared to be or did she ha ...more

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Mar 27, 2020 Vikki Patis rated it it was amazing

This book really got under my skin. With Leuschel's deep, intricate characters and beautiful writing, I was desperate to keep reading and discover the truth. Morag was such an interesting character, and her chapters were particularly gripping. Leuschel is the queen of suspenseful writing, leaving you with a sense of unease and bringing you entirely into the world she has created. ...more

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Feb 29, 2020 Elizabeth Lloyd rated it really liked it

Lizzie Thomson seems to have everything. Having recently started her first job as a music teacher in Edinburgh she is thrilled to be moving into her lovely new home with her husband, Markus. But Lizzie hides the sadness of her upbringing which has caused her to feel inadequate. Next door is Morag, a lonely widow who is estranged from her children. In alternate chapters we read, in the first person, the innermost thoughts of each of these women. But who is telling the truth? Is Morag to blame for ...more

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Mar 01, 2020 Suzy Turner rated it it was amazing

This is one of those kinds of books that will really get under your skin. It'll make you really think about how people can manipulate each other in ways you didn't even think possible...
Lizzie is a young new mother, perhaps a little naive, who has no-one to turn to when she needs support. Morag is a much older woman that doesn't appear to have anyone either. So when the two women meet, they form a bond of friendship. But what happens when that bond starts to delicately fracture?
The Memories We ...more

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Aug 27, 2020 Claire rated it really liked it

Shelves: gift, ebooks

In The Memories We Bury, Lizzie Thomson has recently moved into her new home in Edinburgh with her husband Markus. Shortly after, Lizzie becomes pregnant unexpectedly with their first child, Jamie. She befriends their neighbour, Morag, a knowledgeable widow who longs for grandchildren. When Morag finds out that Lizzie is pregnant, she is thrilled for her. Markus becomes increasingly distant, forcing Lizzie to rely more and more on Morag, who takes on a grandmotherly role in Jamie’s life.

Each cha In The Memories We Bury, Lizzie Thomson has recently moved into her new home in Edinburgh with her husband Markus. Shortly after, Lizzie becomes pregnant unexpectedly with their first child, Jamie. She befriends their neighbour, Morag, a knowledgeable widow who longs for grandchildren. When Morag finds out that Lizzie is pregnant, she is thrilled for her. Markus becomes increasingly distant, forcing Lizzie to rely more and more on Morag, who takes on a grandmotherly role in Jamie’s life.

Each chapter throughout the book switches between Lizzie and Morag’s point of view. The timeline also switches, beginning with 2016, then flashing back to 2013-2014 and the history of what’s happened. Both characters were fascinating — they are both so different.

Lizzie is quiet and introverted, a music teacher. Her relationship with her husband Markus is strained — he felt it was too soon for them to have children and he’s focused on his career. It’s easy to see why Lizzie feels isolated, and begins to rely on her neighbour. I enjoyed reading her sections; I could feel her loneliness and suffocation coming off the page.

Morag has always been well-groomed and organised — the image of the ideal housewife. As a retired pediatric nurse, she is also knowledgeable, which Lizzie is incredibly grateful for. A widow, she is also lonely and isolated. She’s desperate for a grandchild and is overjoyed to help with Jamie’s care.

By reading the story from each point of view (often each day from their individual viewpoints), we learn more about their motivations and history. It became difficult to figure out who was telling the truth and who to believe as the story progressed. I went back and re-read the first few chapters after finishing the book, seeing them with fresh eyes.

While this is character-driven, the story had me hooked. It starts off quite slow and innocent, then slowly begins to ramp up. I felt for Lizzie and was so anxious for Jamie! I didn’t want to put this one down as I kept thinking about the characters and what was going to happen next. The last half of the book is really tense!

The Memories We Bury is a fantastic, thrilling read, that’s well-written with brilliantly crafted characters. I could believe that this was a true story and felt totally immersed in their world. The whole book is so tense and I was gripped to the very end! I think this book would particularly appeal to young mothers who may be able to relate to Lizzie — but as a non-mother, it was a fantastic read. I look forward to reading more from this author in future! ...more

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Jun 15, 2020 Edna María rated it it was amazing

Lizzie Thomson, a young music teacher whose troubled childhood caused her deep insecurities in life, is now married to handsome, captivating and self-assured Markus. In spite of the differences between them everything seems going well until they discover Lizzie is expecting. They then, decide to move into a nice new home and start afresh.

Being a first-time mom Lizzie lacks the knowledge and skills she'll need in the near future, though, to her relief she meets her next door neighbor Morag, an el Lizzie Thomson, a young music teacher whose troubled childhood caused her deep insecurities in life, is now married to handsome, captivating and self-assured Markus. In spite of the differences between them everything seems going well until they discover Lizzie is expecting. They then, decide to move into a nice new home and start afresh.

Being a first-time mom Lizzie lacks the knowledge and skills she'll need in the near future, though, to her relief she meets her next door neighbor Morag, an elderly experienced nurse and mother living by herself and eager at the prospect of having a family and particularly a grandchild she'd always dreamt of.

Not much longer it took Morag to become an indispensable and dear friend who's always there to help in every situation. But soon, as the story develops the plot turns creepy when Morag starts meticulously planning every step and every decision regarding the household and especially Jamie's upbringing (Lizzie's little one).

Is Morag really willing to assist a primipara mother such as Lizzie or does she harbor a more sinister wish to fulfill the emptiness in her own frustrated life?

I enjoyed reading about Morag, such a complex character; you never know what she is going to do next. She sees life in a very particular perspective difficult to understand for the average viewer. Why having a child is so important? Sometimes she plays the lovely lady who could be the most adorable granny, and next she becomes a frightening witch capable of the most despicable deeds.

The book reflects quite ordinary situations in which the strongest abuses the weakest, and to the same extent it happens in real life you don't know for sure who's who, moreover the story pictures Morag as someone not fully conscious of the lines she should not cross, therefore it makes it difficult to judge her as the villain. It also makes me think of how easy it is to accept too many favors that over a period of time you will be dragged into debt with someone you took for granted you shared a free friendship with. I like the way the author depicts all these emotional blackmailing and erratic behaviors individuals usually take too long to identify, and even more complicated to get rid of them in the right time.

Taken from Pages in the Attic blog. ...more

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Jun 30, 2020 Michael Miller rated it really liked it

This novel kept me up until 3:00 am. And as soon as I’m done writing this, I’ll be ordering H.A. Leuschel’s collection of short stories, 'Manipulated Lives.' Do I even need to say anything else?? But OH MY GOSH. This was absolutely fantastic! I’m going to be very, very careful with what I have to say because the novel unfolds in this masterful way with this slow, mounting tension and I don’t want to even come close to spoiling anything for anyone. Ok? Ok.

Reading 'The Memories We Bury' made me de This novel kept me up until 3:00 am. And as soon as I’m done writing this, I’ll be ordering H.A. Leuschel’s collection of short stories, 'Manipulated Lives.' Do I even need to say anything else?? But OH MY GOSH. This was absolutely fantastic! I’m going to be very, very careful with what I have to say because the novel unfolds in this masterful way with this slow, mounting tension and I don’t want to even come close to spoiling anything for anyone. Ok? Ok.

Reading 'The Memories We Bury' made me deeply uncomfortable. And, as I write that, I get that can sound like a bad thing. But I mean it in the best possible way! With chapters alternating between Lizzie and Morag’s perspectives, the reader spends the entire novel inside their heads and the skill with which Leuschel crafts their webs of relationships, perspectives, and psychological struggles was so unnerving. What made it unnerving was how accurate it felt. I wasn’t a third of the way into the novel before I checked to see if Leuschel had a degree (or several) in psychology. This wasn’t your generic psychological suspense/thriller novel with an unreliable narrator due to some trauma in their past and/or substance abuse issues and blah, blah, blah. This was written by someone who understands how the heart and mind work. She was so accurate in how she portrayed all these complex (which I can say, as it’s in the blurb and I’m not spoiling anything!) relationships and that’s why the book was so uncomfortable. This was real. I kept hearing my therapist’s voice in my head as I read pointing out red flags!

Exceptional. Exquisite. Gripping. Haunting. Pick the adjective, whatever you want, as long as it’s positive/glowing it works. I’ve spent a lot of time telling family and friends about this novel since I finished it and I won’t be stopping anytime soon. It was one of those books where, when I’d put it down, the characters’ mood affected my own. You know? When you’re so engrossed in a novel you’re in a good place if the characters are and, if they aren’t, you’re agitated right along with them until you can pick it up again – that was my experience reading 'The Memories We Bury.' Before I was halfway through the novel I was caring about Lizzie like she was a dear friend of mine. And, as I’ve learned in therapy, since I’m an empath/helper by nature I just wanted to hug her and do anything I could to help! But instead I just had to be tense and read!

This was brilliant. I absolutely loved it! And you can bet I’ll be rereading 'The Memories We Bury' to see what it’s like when I know the ending. But obviously I’m going to check-out 'Manipulated Lives' first. ...more

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Aug 28, 2020 marnie | once upon a time book blog rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2020

Wow what a read this is! This is my first book from H.A. Leuschel and it will most definitely not be my last! If you enjoy a book that is intense, compelling, powerful, riveting, gripping, haunting and thought provoking, then this is definitely the book for you!

Full of suspense, H.A. Leuschel has delivered a very chilling tale that deals with many themes, but fundamentality focuses on, as the blurb states, “complexities of female friendship and motherhood” It is a dark and interesting take on h ...more

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Jun 30, 2020 Melina Lobo rated it it was amazing

The Memories We Bury is a Contemporary/ Psychological Suspense novel by H.A. Leuschel.
Although the plot of the book was not hard to figure from the very beginning, the author does put a lot of effort to create a good build up as well as the perfect characters.
Lizzie is the newlywed and now mother of a beautiful baby who wants more help from her husband to raise the child while her husband puts the least amount of effort possible.
And Moraag is the helpful old neighbor who wants to help out the be ...more

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Mar 24, 2020 Audrey rated it really liked it

I read the author's novella, My Sweet Friend, some time ago, and struggled to categorise it. The best I could come up with was 'relationship drama', which goes some way to describing her latest book. Except, this one – in my opinion – has a much darker edge and many more layers to examine.
Timid Lizzie struggles to cope with her new life in suburban Edinburgh. Husband Markus devotes most of his time to work and play, and her announcement that she is pregnant does not elicit the response she wante ...more

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May 09, 2020 Sharon Rimmelzwaan rated it it was amazing

I knew I was going to enjoy this book as soon as I read the blurb. Enjoy was quite an understatement though. I really couldn't put it down! The three main characters are Markus, Lizzie and Morag. Markus and Lizzie mive next door to Morag, a woman whose family have grown up and moved away, so she is rather a lonely lady. Markus and Lizzie are a young married couple who, after moving in end up with Lizzie falling pregnant and having a little boy. For Morag, a motherly woman it is a dream come true ...more

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Apr 20, 2020 Karen rated it it was amazing

This book introduces you to Lizzie, freshly married, moving in next door to Morag, a retired nurse.

With "The Memories We Bury", H. A. Leuschel has created an intense and thought-provoking story that kept me glued to my Kindle. Helene Leuschel introduces her characters as the story proceeds; I suddenly realised that I knew them quite well - or at least I thought I knew them. The main characters are complex - as well as believable. The story has a good flow; it certainly will not leave you unaffec ...more

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Aug 31, 2020 Philomena Callan Cheekypee rated it it was amazing

Shelves: loved-it

Firstly I really like this cover. It caught my eye straightaway.

The story is told through two points of view - Lizzie and Morag. Lizzie is married to Markus and living next door to Morag who’s in her sixties. As Lizzie struggles as a new mum her neighbor Morag is keen to help them. I really don’t want to say much more about the story.

I absolutely loved it. Thought the storyline was brilliant although maybe on the creepy kinda side lol

Definitely one of those stories that makes you think! I’m l ...more

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Aug 24, 2020 Emily Quinn rated it it was amazing

This book should definitely win an award or two! I can’t quite believe the journey I’ve just had, but it’s been such an emotional reading experience. I connected to Lizzie and Morag’s characters so well, felt every emotion under the sun and was left in awe due to the author’s incredible story-telling skills. If you’re not ashamed of having a little cry, (because believe me, you will) and you’re looking for something that will hit you with powerful paragraphs, dialogue and all-round emotion, this ...more

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Aug 18, 2020 Angi Plant rated it really liked it

A very clever psychological drama from a new perspective. I enjoyed how this unfolded, as in the beginning the way the plot was woven made it look possible that Lizzie was unwell and transferring her previous life onto a new subject.

The main characters of Lizzie and Morag are both credible to start with and it explores how manipulation can be very slowly executed. I know from experience that this is the way very clever abusers work, and this is executed throughout as a believable story.

The final ...more

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Aug 23, 2020 Meredith Rankin rated it really liked it

Shelves: contemporary, suspense, serious-tense

I’ll admit it: It took me a while to get into the flow of this book. (This may reflect my current state of mind, rather than any problem with the storytelling.) Gradually, though, Lizzie and Morag’s story absorbed me until it commanded my entire attention. It’s a bit like how Morag gradually takes over Lizzie’s life . . . But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Narrative
There’s a lot of introspection from both women–perhaps too much?–particularly in the first part of the book. Not many big external ...more

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Aug 26, 2020 Lynne Piza rated it really liked it

WOW! I didn’t know where this book was going, who to trust, who was the unstable one a really psychologically hitting read!

So we have Lizzie, who is in her late twenties, she’s a new mum to a young baby and has had a whirlwind romance! However she is insecure and has to manage the daily struggles of mainly managing to parent on her own as her husband Markus is completely selfish and only concerned by himself and his own life! She is so desperate to be loved and has had a tough upbringing!

You wil WOW! I didn’t know where this book was going, who to trust, who was the unstable one a really psychologically hitting read!

So we have Lizzie, who is in her late twenties, she’s a new mum to a young baby and has had a whirlwind romance! However she is insecure and has to manage the daily struggles of mainly managing to parent on her own as her husband Markus is completely selfish and only concerned by himself and his own life! She is so desperate to be loved and has had a tough upbringing!

You will definitely feel for Lizzie and quickly sympathise with her! With the life she has had and the life she is living with the little support she has got!

Markus is the awful husband who is just completely shocking! BUT so many women must find themselves with a man like Markus, where life for them after a baby doesn’t change! He refuses to help Lizzie around the house and refuses to do things like change nappies etc and this is a huge pressure on Lizzie! He made me sooo angry and frustrated throughout this book!

Then we have Morag, she’s a retired nurse who’s children have all grown up and left home! She is lovely and caring and more than happy to help and support Lizzie! However she does begin to over step the mark and this is where you begin to not know who to trust!

Lizzie and Morag are neighbours and you would think between to the two they would form the perfect friendship BUT things and people aren’t always what they seem! Does one of them have an ulterior motive?

Like I said above this book so so twisted and confusing (in a good way) I really didn’t know which of them to trust, and kept changing my mind as to which one was unstable! I couldn’t tell who was being sincere and actually real!

Over the story it gradually comes to light both the characters differing pasts and backgrounds and what experiences and memories have made them who they are today and what has made them act the way that they do!

The truth that eventually comes out is shocking and sickening, as it’s something that could really happen in real life! This whole concept in the book is quite scary because it is so realistic! Now I’m one of those that doesn’t trust anyone, I always think there is an ulterior motive and that people aren’t being real! BUT there are also people like Lizzie who are desperate for love and are willing to trust anyone with no regards to who they actually are as a person!

Overall this book has really well written characters, a really realistic scenario, it has a good pace that builds up gradually and is an amazing psychological read! It can be uncomfortable and disturbing to read, and incredibly hard hitting! It’s also complex and it will definitely leave you feeling uneasy! A totally captivating read that I’m so happy to give 4 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️! I’ve never read anything like this before and it was AMAZING! ...more

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Jun 29, 2020 Rajiv rated it really liked it

Shelves: wheel-v-2020, thriller, suspense, mystery, psychological

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What a delightful, eerier, atmospheric story! It’s a simple, yet gripping psychological thriller about how someone you love and trust can manipulate your life.

The main highlight of the story is the two main characters, Lizzie and Morag. The author has written both of them in such a complex manner. However, my favorite character was Morag. Even though you know she how unpredictable she is, you still feel sorry for her at times ...more

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Jul 02, 2020 Satabdi rated it it was amazing

Wow, this was a twisted story indeed!

The Memories We Bury describes the growing friendship between a 64-year-old lady, Morag, and her new neighbor, Lizzie–who is newly-married and now pregnant.

Only, as the baby is born and Lizzie’s husband, Markus, is increasingly away from home due to the growing pressures at the workplace, Morag transforms into a controlling, manipulative woman.

A normally shy, introverted, and agreeable Lizzie finds herself fighting regain her independence but cannot fathom ho Wow, this was a twisted story indeed!

The Memories We Bury describes the growing friendship between a 64-year-old lady, Morag, and her new neighbor, Lizzie–who is newly-married and now pregnant.

Only, as the baby is born and Lizzie’s husband, Markus, is increasingly away from home due to the growing pressures at the workplace, Morag transforms into a controlling, manipulative woman.

A normally shy, introverted, and agreeable Lizzie finds herself fighting regain her independence but cannot fathom how Moran has such a strong hold on her. To make matters worse, she has managed to get Markus on her side. Even more strangely, Lizzie’s friends appear to be staying away from her.

In the thickening web of lies and deceit, Lizzie doubts herself and her ability to capably raise her newborn son. It was a fascinating, yet deeply uneasy read about how Lizzie attempts again and again to rein in her immature husband and throw off Moran’s yoke.

Until the very end, I was unsure which woman was manipulating the other. The story is told from Moran and Lizzie’s points of view alternately and we get to hear both woman’s accounts. Yet, it is difficult to say who is lying and who is innocent–such is the skill of the author!

In the final few chapters, Moran’s daughter, Aileen, makes an entrance and it appears that even she is a master manipulator. Moran’s sister, Lorna, is the only person who supports Moran’s story–but in the end, when Moran does something unforgivable even by her standards, Lorna cannot look the other way any more.

The novel is morbidly fascinating, reeling in the reader from the first word and refusing to let go. It is literally the last sentence that gives you closure and puts a (merciful!) stop to the back and forth in your head about who is playing all the mind games.

The author not only has an excellent grasp of taut storytelling, but she is also well-versed in the psychological games that go on between people. What I found frightening was how real the story felt–it could happen to you and me–and would we be able to defend ourselves in such a situation?

I could also appreciate the author’s ability to describe the exhaustion, sleep deprivation, and the dynamics between a young couple when a newborn enters the mix. Mental health in young mothers is not spoken about nearly enough!

I’d recommend this fantastic book to everyone because I think people will enjoy the mind games and the emotional ping-pong!

Thank you to the author and R&R book tours for my copy of the book! ...more

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Mar 28, 2020 Jessie Cahalin rated it it was amazing

A thrilling read where clues, questions and shadows leap off the page. This novel could also be a healing read as it may prompt some to explore the haunting memories hovering in their minds because ‘the future always comes looking for the past.’

The novel examines the impact of our childhood on our psyche and shows how we can be drawn to certain people as adults because of our experiences. Loneliness and vulnerability draw together Morag, a pensioner, and Lizzie, a young mother. Morag desperately A thrilling read where clues, questions and shadows leap off the page. This novel could also be a healing read as it may prompt some to explore the haunting memories hovering in their minds because ‘the future always comes looking for the past.’

The novel examines the impact of our childhood on our psyche and shows how we can be drawn to certain people as adults because of our experiences. Loneliness and vulnerability draw together Morag, a pensioner, and Lizzie, a young mother. Morag desperately wants to be a grandmother and will go to any lengths to achieve her need to fulfill this gap in her life. Lizzie yearns to receive the security and love of a mother. ‘All I ever wanted was to be loved.’ Morag explains, ‘What united us was the basic human need to escape being alone.’

This novel is unnerving yet compelling. I had to discover Morag’s secrets because the clues were presented in such a tantalising manner. Leuschel positions the reader inside of these characters minds and empowers them to fit together the pieces of their characters.

Lizzie was damaged by her childhood. A cruel mother told her ‘she was not enough’ for her thus developing insecurity and need. Morag identifies this ‘little bird in need of care’. Morag’s ‘eyes shone darkly’, and I had to ensure Lizzie would be safe. The two perspectives work very well because I completely understood the motivations of the characters, but the tension kept me completely hooked.

I loved the way this novel made me think about the possible outcomes even when I wasn’t reading the book. The Memories we Bury also made me reflect on how we can make judgements about people and fill in the gaps incorrectly because we apply our own experiences of life. It is fascinating the way Leuchel shows how our own memories are always ready to ‘pounce’ and we can’t ignore them.
‘I’d been convinced that you could pick up your memories and bury them deep in the ground…But they cannot block certain memories of your life because they are the very building blocks that shaped our behaviour patterns.’

This is a powerful, sensitive and clever novel written in a controlled and absorbing style. The characters actions and dialogue are built with precision and not one single word is wasted. You may just learn something about yourself or others when you read this novel.
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